How Often Should You Have Your Jewelry Checked? A Pro’s Guide

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn, loved, and enjoyed every day—but even the most beautifully crafted pieces require regular professional care. Many people are surprised to learn that routine jewelry inspections are one of the most important steps in protecting diamonds, gemstones, and precious metal settings from damage or loss.

Whether it’s an engagement ring worn daily, a diamond tennis bracelet, or a favorite pair of diamond studs, knowing how often to have your jewelry checked can save you from costly repairs and heartbreaking stone loss.

Why Does Jewelry Need Checking?

Jewelry naturally experiences wear and tear over time. Prongs can loosen, clasps can weaken, and settings can thin—especially on pieces worn frequently. Daily activities like handwashing, travel, temperature changes, and even lotions or sanitizers can affect the integrity of fine jewelry. Regular professional jewelry inspections help catch these issues early, before they become visible or irreversible.

1. Daily Wear: Check Every 6 Months

For pieces worn every day, such as engagement rings, wedding bands, and diamond solitaire rings, most professionals recommend a jewelry check every six months. These pieces experience the most exposure and movement, making prongs and settings more vulnerable. A quick inspection ensures diamonds remain secure and metal hasn’t worn down in critical areas.

💎 Jeweler's Tip: "The 'Sweater Test' is a great way to check your prongs at home. If your ring catches on your sweater, hair, or pantyhose, that is a red flag! It means a prong has lifted slightly. Stop wearing it immediately and bring it in for repair."

2. Occasional Wear: Check Once a Year

Jewelry worn occasionally—such as diamond necklaces, tennis bracelets, gemstone earrings, or special-occasion pieces—should be checked at least once a year. Even when stored properly, clasps and settings can loosen over time. Annual inspections help maintain both the beauty and value of your fine jewelry.

3. Travel Jewelry: Check Before You Fly

Travel jewelry is another category often overlooked. If you frequently travel with diamond or gold jewelry, especially on cruises or vacations, it’s a good idea to have those pieces checked before and after your trip. Changes in climate, humidity, and activity levels can impact delicate settings, especially in bracelets and necklaces.

What Happens During an Inspection?

Professional jewelry inspections typically include checking prongs, tightening stones, examining clasps, testing earring backs, and evaluating overall metal condition. Many jewelers will also recommend professional cleaning during inspections, which restores brilliance and removes buildup that can hide potential issues. Clean jewelry not only sparkles more—it allows jewelers to spot problems more accurately.

The Risk of Skipping Maintenance

Skipping regular jewelry maintenance can lead to worn prongs, bent settings, or weakened links, increasing the risk of losing diamonds or gemstones entirely. Unfortunately, stone loss often happens gradually and without warning, making preventive care essential for protecting fine jewelry investments.

Read also: Caring for Your Fine Jewelry

Professional Care at Beverly’s Jewelry

At Beverly’s Jewelry in St. Thomas, professional jewelry care is taken seriously. With decades of experience in fine jewelry, diamonds, and gemstone craftsmanship, the team at Beverly’s carefully inspects each piece with attention to detail and expertise. Whether you purchased your jewelry locally or elsewhere, routine inspections help ensure your pieces remain secure, wearable, and beautiful for years to come.

Fine jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a memory, a milestone, and often an investment. Regular jewelry checks are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your sparkle and enjoy peace of mind. If you’re unsure when your jewelry was last inspected, it’s probably time to have it checked.

When in St. Thomas, stop by Beverly’s Jewelry on Main Street to have your favorite pieces professionally inspected, cleaned, and cared for—because your jewelry deserves the same attention it was crafted with.